The Collaborative International Dictionary
Impair \Im*pair"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impaired; p. pr. & vb. n. Impairing.] [Written also empair.] [OE. empeiren, enpeiren, OF. empeirier, empirier, F. empirer, LL. impejorare; L. pref. im- in + pejorare to make worse, fr. pejor worse. Cf. Appair.] To make worse; to diminish in quantity, value, excellence, or strength; to deteriorate; as, to impair health, character, the mind, value.
Time sensibly all things impairs.
--Roscommon.
In years he seemed, but not impaired by years.
--Pope.
Syn: To diminish; decrease; injure; weaken; enfeeble; debilitate; reduce; debase; deteriorate.
Wiktionary
vb. (present participle of impair English)
Usage examples of "impairing".
Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
Constitution of the United States, article first, section tenth, declares that no State shall pass a law impairing the obligations of contract.
Inflammation of the endocardium, the lining membrane of the heart, may cause a thickening of it, and ossification of the valves of the heart, thus impairing its function.
They are generally supposed to originate in some constitutional derangement, impairing the nutrition of the mucous membranes.
It is frequently difficult to prevent the patient from over-distending the stomach, and thus impairing the tone of the muscular coats and prolonging the process of digestion.
The thin material would conceal him without impairing his slow, steady breathing.
This means the whole idea can become Parent, impairing its usefulness as a tool in producing Adult-Adult transactions in the home.